Spyder Convertible

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Review

2011
Audi
R8 Review

As accessible as supercars get

Reviewed by Automotive on
12/22/2010

In a Nutshell

The two-passenger 2011 Audi R8 is a luxury sports car that comes in two body styles: coupe and convertible. Powered by either a 4.2 liter V-8 engine or a 5.2 liter V-10 engine, the Audi R8 delivers high-speed performance. The Audi sports car is also equipped with the quattro all wheel drive system and offers either a six-speed single-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

As such as car would demand, the Audi R8 is equipped with the safety features and systems designed for the sports car enthusiast, especially the crash system that unlocks the doors, turns off the engine, and detaches the fuel pump if the car is involved in an accident. Fuel economy in the range of 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway is nothing to brag about, but then if you own this car you don't need to brag anyway.

New for 2011

After the V-10 engine was launched in 2010, the new convertible, called the R8 Spyder 5.2, debuts in 2011. Mechanically, it's identical to the R8 5.2 with its V-10 engine and Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive. However, cutting off the roof and adding a power folding top and the required chassis reinforcements added about 200 pounds.

Essentials

On the Outside

An exquisitely styled coupe with strong swerving curves, the 2011 Audi R8 has nearly perfect proportions. The V-10 and Spyder models have unique wheels, grille, headlights, and side scoops.

From the Inside

Standard on the Audi R8 are leather-wrapped power seats, climate control, navigation, Bluetooth, a multi-function steering wheel, and a premium stereo. An option package adds a rear view camera, hill hold, and heated side mirrors with auto-dimming and power-fold.

Driving Performance

With its 4.2 liter V-8 engine churning out 420 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, the 2011 Audi R8 is a potent street and track machine. However, for the truly power-mad, there is the 525 horsepower 5.2 liter V-10 engine handling 391 pound-feet of torque. Either engine is coupled to a 6-speed single-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system.

Safety Equipment

Among the standard safety features of the Audi R8 are front, side thorax, side curtain, and knee airbags. Also standard are electronic traction control and stability control, while Audi's Crash Sensor unlocks the doors, turns off the engine, and detaches the fuel pump in the event of an accident.